Kestrel’s win marks the first time a mine has won the three rescue competitions open to Queensland sites in the same year, following victory in the local Queensland Mines Rescue Memorial Cup and the state EK Healy Cup.
The two-day event is the only national mines rescue underground competition in Australia. The event was held over two days at Anglo America’s Moranbah North mine in Queensland and the Mastermyne Mackay facility.
Second place was taken out by Centennial Coal’s Angus Place in NSW, with third going to Peabody’s North Wambo mine in NSW.
The competition brought together the four best mines rescue teams from NSW, Queensland and a representative team from Tasmania to test proficiency in rescue and recovery techniques, knowledge of procedures, teamwork and their ability to operate under pressure.
To qualify for the Australian event, teams must win their regional competition within their home state.
The event included a major underground exercise, search and rescue using breathing apparatus, trauma exercises, a theory examination and a practical skills test – all designed to put the elite crews through their paces and determine the best in Australia.
The annual event is jointly organised by Queensland Mines Rescue and NSW Mines Rescue and aims to enhance mines rescue capability in the Australian coal mining industry.
The competition’s host state is rotated each year. NSW will play host in Newcastle next year.
Chief executive of Queensland Mines Rescue Service Wayne Hartley said: “Challenging our teams to simulated mines rescue emergency events is part of testing the training systems and the members for their level of skill and preparedness.
“We hope they are never called upon, but know that our rescue members and the organisation behind them are ready.”
The rescue competitions are an integral part of the mines rescue service, according to NSW Mines Rescue state manager Seamus Devlin.
“The competition was of an exceptional standard yet again this year and has showcased the best teams in Australia,” he said.
“The regional qualifiers that are held in the lead-up to the Australian competition, as well as the national event itself, prepare our people for real events and help to keep our industry and its workers safe and protected.”
The skills and expertise gained through training should not be underestimated, Devlin said.
“Their training heightens their focus on safety, assessing risk, demonstrating leadership and critical thinking skills, which can only have a positive effect on their day to day role and responsibilities, team work and commitment to safety at their workplaces,” he said.
